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There will be a huge and exciting announcement about our bookstore in about three weeks. Why am I telling you so far ahead of time? (You will have to wait to even find that out!)
For now we have one book in the store that is a must read for those you know that may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.
The book is called, “Signs of Hope: Ways to survive in an Unfriendly World.” Check it out, but clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page.
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I have an excerpt from the book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” The topic is about fear, one of the afflictions I mentioned above.
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Chapter 66
If You Think You’re Perfect, Try Walking on Water
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
Isaiah 43:2
While visitingHawaii, a group of us decided to go snorkeling. (You need to know that I am not a very good swimmer and even use a floatation device to help me stay on top of the water.) We got to the bay where we were planning to snorkel and proceeded to put on our gear; then we went to the edge of the water, put on our flippers and goggles; and slid down into the water from some rocky ledges. I was enjoying the beautiful fish and even saw a sea turtle! I was a little way out from the rocky ledge when I realized I hadn’t put on my floatation device! I was having a close encounter with God!
I tried to relax so I could still look at the fish below me, but the water was 40 feet deep where I was! I felt I needed to head for the rocks and get out in order to be on the safe side. I started kicking and headed for the shore when I got a huge cramp in my left leg. It was so bad I couldn’t kick with that leg anymore!
I struggled to stay on top of the water. But the people on the shore didn’t seem to be worried; in fact, I don’t think they even noticed me. I was scrambling to get up on the rocks—and they just kept on walking! The waves beat me against the rocks, which were cutting up my knees. I was washed out a couple more times before I finally got a grip on the rocks and pulled myself out of the water. I was exhausted, and in just a couple more minutes I would have drowned. I had been left alone, and I really felt I was going to drown. I had made the mistake of not having a floatation device with me. I would have been fine had I put it on.
I consider that similar to thinking I can make it on my own without God. When we try to live without God, we eventually find ourselves thrashing in the water of life and getting pretty banged up.
We may have friends who are going through trials. They think that they are well off—doing OK—almost to the point they think they can walk on water. Or like a duck, they may look serene floating on the surface, but underneath, they’re paddling furiously. They may actually be struggling to keep above water and have many things dragging them down.
We need to check on them from time to time to see how they’re doing and look for signals that will let us know when they’re in trouble. They need our reassurance that the Lord will help them through troubled times. We can pray with them and let them know we’re there when they need us. That will be very comforting for them. They’ll know they won’t be out in the deep water with no one to help them climb the slippery rocks to safety.
Think of how strong Peter was in his faith, and yet when Jesus told him to walk on water, he got very fearful and started to sink. We probably have less faith than Peter did, so we must hold on to Jesus and let Him keep us on top of the water.
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked;
for the Lord will be your confidence.
Proverbs3:25-26
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Further Adventures
- Call several of your closest friends, and just check in with them. You can probably sense what’s going on with them by the tone of their voice, or they may just go right to the problem and let you know without your asking. Help them know that you are there for them, and remind them that the Lord is with them always.
- Check your own family members and make sure they are on the right path of good health—physically, emotionally and spiritually. They aren’t always going to run to you with their problems. When I was a teacher, I lost a couple of students to suicide and the parents didn’t even know their child was depressed. Make contact with your family daily, and make sure they are in the right frame of mind.
Something to Ponder
Isn’t it funny how we sometimes test the depth of water with both feet and sink?